Tripoli, 30 April:
The Special Representative of the UN’s Secretary-General for Libya (SRSG), Ian Martin, visited Zuara, Al-Jmail and Regdaleen on 25 . . .[restrict]April, where he met with their respective local and military councils, and members of civil society.
Discussions focused on the recent clashes and the consequent loss of life, as well as on measures by the Libyan authorities to restore calm and order, and to maintain the ceasefire. The SRSG called on the various parties to give their full support to efforts underway by the government and the National Transitional Council at reconciliation. All parties stressed the importance of national authorities assuming their responsibility in resolving the tensions which contributed to the outbreak of conflict earlier this month.
While paying tribute to the sacrifices that this part of Libya had made in its struggle for freedom, and in view of the deep concerns voiced in all three towns about the fate of missing persons and others in detention, the SRSG stressed that “the new democratic Libya must be founded on justice, human rights, and the rule of law”.
“I also salute the emerging vibrant civil society, and its determination and desire to play an active role in public life. The next few weeks and months are a golden opportunity for civil society to play an active role in the unfolding political and electoral process, not least in the field of civic education,” the SRSG said. [/restrict]
